Mabel's Friends

Mabel and her friend Madisyn
click for larger image

Villi Poni Farm's Cast of Characters
(as told by Emily)
Click here to visit Villi Poni Farm's web site

There are many animals who live with us here in beautiful Southern New Hampshire but the farm is named after our Registered Newfoundland ponies. These ponies are in critical danger of extinction as there are less than 250 of breeding age left in the world. In the United States there are only a few dozen. They are amazing animals, docile, sane, smart, hardy, willing, economical to own and capable of doing it all, yet very easy to keep, easy to train, and even easier to love. Newfoundland ponies just make sense.

Applewood Highland Heather (Heather), and her daughters Brynshire Mandolyn (Mandy) and appendix Stone Gait's Wild Tansy (Tansy) enjoying running free across the fields. My favorite thing to do is watch them cavorting happily in a small band, seemingly racing each other, kicking up their heels as if to say isn't it wonderful to be alive! I imagine this is how it was on the island of Newfoundland not too many years ago when the pony ran free. Its a special sight to behold and I feel so fortunate to have them in my life.

I also use them for relaxing trail rides, jumping, dressage, and they are capable of driving, and doing farm work as the breed was originally used in Newfoundland.

Heather is expecting, and her foal is due next spring. The father is Macosa's Dream, a rare radical color changer and talented pony but his disposition is as kind and gentle as can be, an important thing to pass on to babies. His color changes from Bay to Blue Roan to Black, three times a year. He is wonderful under saddle as well. Both Heather and Macosa carry rarer blood lines amongst the ponies. I bred the two in the hopes of continuing those genetic lines to help insure the pony is saved from sure extinction if measures such as this are not taken. But I am also concerned that good qualities are passed on, of which

the Newfoundland pony has many; I am not breeding my ponies just for the sake of breeding. There are too many overbred unwanted horses out there without good homes, who suffer, who become "throw-aways" because of irresponsible breeders. Each of our ponies are precious family members here and currently not for sale; my breedings will be selective, and limited, as I do my small part to keep the breed alive. Its often the little things we do in life than can make a big difference...
For more information on this amazing pony and its history go to www.newfoundlandponysociety.com

Bob is a Clydesdale cross from Canada. He used to haul logs out of the woods and worked very hard. When he first came to live with us, he was very thin, and he didn't know what treats were, like apples and carrots. He also didn't trust anyone. Bob now lives with a new family. Lucky Bob is very happy with his new owner, and she and her young daughter adore him. Good boy Bob!

Ammy is a registered Newfoundland stallion and our official farm mascot. Injured in a fall at another farm, a year ago, Ammy is truly an inspiration. He learned how to survive after a badly broken leg, yet despite his ordeal, remained the happiest sweetest pony. Its hard to believe he is permanently disabled when you watch him canter and cavort, shaking his head playfully, pain free. He and Shaggy are best friends.

Shaggy is a standard donkey. He has very long hair, a huge head and big ears, and is the prettiest color. He was not taken care of by his former owners and he came here skinny with very bad hooves. His hooves were so long he could barely walk. Thank goodness there are kind people who care about animals who got him away from that bad situation.

Bert the bird is a Lutino Indian Ringneck and appears in "MABEL TAKES A PADDLE." He has been talking since he was only 3 months old. His favorite things to say are "How ya' doin'?" and "Wanna Cookie?" and "Pretty Bert!" but he also likes to imitate the cat meowing and Mabel barking. He sounds just like them, too! He is very funny! Bert now lives with his best bird friend Magoo, in northern NH where he talks Magoo's face off all day long! Sometimes Bert videochats with me via Skype and the help of my friend Wendy, his new owner.

And, of course, there are the dogs... Mabel, Charlie and Blue

Charlie and Mabel

For more information and photos of the dogs and all the animals at Villi Poni Farm, please go to www.villiponifarm.com.

Hy Hopes Winston
6/6/95 - 8/27/11

Winston, our mischievous mini-donkey, passed away on the eve of Hurricane Irene's debut, due to a tragic freak accident in the barn. There are many who met and loved Winston, but there are many more who knew and enjoyed the stories of his antics over the 16 years he was in our lives. Though are hearts, both human and equine, are heavy at this devastating loss, Winston, always the joker, would prefer that we remember him for all the mischief and laughter he caused. To tease and play practical jokes was Winston's sole goal in life, the purpose of his every waking moment on this earth. In honor of Winston, here are but a few of the many stories he inspired, that appeared in my column for a local newspaper.
Good Bye, Hello, Hee Haw
Things That Go Hee-Haw in the Night
Wild Tansy

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